Story perspectives

Antonia Romeo Replaces Wormauld Amid Scandal Controversy

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Britain’s Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormauld will be replaced by Antonia Romeo amid the Mandelson scandal.
The Prime Minister intends to bypass an open selection process for Romeo, previously deemed suitable for the role.
Romeo faced controversy after a 2017 Foreign Office investigation into alleged bullying, harassment, and expense misuse, and the Cabinet Office said she was cleared.
Lord McDonald, former Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Office, was consulted on this transition.

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Story summary

Britain’s Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormauld will be replaced by Antonia Romeo amid the Mandelson scandal.
The Prime Minister intends to bypass an open selection process for Romeo, previously deemed suitable for the role.
Romeo faced controversy after a 2017 Foreign Office investigation into alleged bullying, harassment, and expense misuse, and the Cabinet Office said she was cleared.
Lord McDonald, former Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Office, was consulted on this transition.